Flu is much more serious than a cold and spreads easily. In 2017, over 650 people died in NSW from it. An annual flu shot is your best protection against the flu. The flu shot is safe and does not give you the flu.

Influenza, or flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. There are two main types of influenza virus that cause infection in humans – types A and B – and many sub-types or strains. Flu can occur throughout the year but flu activity usually peaks in winter.

Flu is a vaccine-preventable illness but a new vaccine needs to be given each year because flu viruses change (mutate) constantly. A new flu vaccine is prepared each year to best match the strains predicted for the coming flu season.

What are the symptoms?

People with flu typically experience some or all of the following symptoms for at least a week:

fever and chills

cough, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose

muscle aches, joint pains, headaches and fatigue (feeling very tired)

nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea (more common in children than adults)

Seek immediate medical advice if the illness quickly becomes worse or if any of the following occurs:

shortness of breath or rapid breathing

chest pain

confusion or sudden dizziness

persistent vomiting

How is it spread?

Flu viruses are mainly spread by droplets made when an infected person coughs or sneezes

Flu can also spread after touching surfaces where infected droplets have landed

Flu can be spread to someone by an infected person even before their symptoms begin

Adults with flu are infectious from the day before their symptoms start until 5-7 days later

Young children and people with weakened immune systems may be infectious for longer.

How is it prevented?

Flu vaccination each year before winter arrives is the best way to prevent flu.